Abstract: A current limitation concept for an intelligent semiconductor switch is described herein. In accordance with one embodiment, a method performed by the intelligent semiconductor switch comprises generating a gate current and switching on a power transistor by applying the gate current to the gate electrode of the power transistor. The method further comprises determining information regarding a load current passing through the power transistor and controlling—based on the information regarding the load current—the load current by reducing the gate current applied to the gate electrode of the power transistor. When the load current exceeds a first threshold value, the gate current is reduced by a specific amount, and when the load current exceeds a third threshold value, the gate current is further reduced by sinking a discharge current, which has a third current level, from the gate electrode of the power transistor.

Abstract: A current limitation concept for an intelligent semiconductor switch is described herein. In accordance with one embodiment, a method performed by the intelligent semiconductor switch comprises generating a gate current and switching on a power transistor by applying the gate current to the gate electrode of the power transistor. The method further comprises determining information regarding a load current passing through the power transistor and controlling—based on the information regarding the load current—the load current by reducing the gate current applied to the gate electrode of the power transistor. When the load current exceeds a first threshold value, the gate current is reduced by a specific amount, and when the load current exceeds a third threshold value, the gate current is further reduced by sinking a discharge current, which has a third current level, from the gate electrode of the power transistor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an integrated circuit, a protective circuit and a method of operating a protective circuit. One embodiment includes an electrical line, a holding circuit, a control circuit and a protective element, wherein the holding circuit, the control circuit and the protective element are selectively connected to the electrical line. The protective element is selectively connected to the electrical line to, discharge the electrical line, depending on the respective states of the holding circuit and the control circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an integrated circuit, a protective circuit and a method of operating a protective circuit. One embodiment includes an electrical line, a holding circuit, a control circuit and a protective element, wherein the holding circuit, the control circuit and the protective element are selectively connected to the electrical line. The protective element is selectively connected to the electrical line to, e.g., discharge the electrical line, depending on the respective states of the holding circuit and the control circuit.